Under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s ambitious initiative to plant 100 million trees across Egypt, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation has successfully planted 3.1 million trees. This initiative, aimed at combating climate change and desertification while enhancing local wood production, marks a significant stride towards environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.
Minister of Agriculture Elsayed Elkosayer revealed that the initiative spans 13 governorates, targeting diverse locations including roads, medians, desert hinterlands, educational institutions, city entrances, main squares, internal islands, and industrial zones. The first phase of the project, now completed, focused on delivering 1.3 million trees to seven governorates: Qalyubia, Gharbia, Beni Suef, Minya, Fayoum, Assiut, and New Valley. These trees, comprising 17 varieties including camphor, Paulina, and acacia, aim to enrich the landscape with both wood and fruit-bearing species.
Currently in its second phase, the initiative has allocated 995,000 trees to six governorates: Cairo, Monufia, South Sinai, Port Said, New Valley, and the Red Sea, including facilities under the Ministry of Health. This phase introduces 18 varieties such as olive, lemon, and grapefruit, strategically chosen to maximize ecological benefits and enhance green spaces.
Moreover, an additional 800,000 trees have been planted within ministry forests and surrounding areas, bringing the total to 3.1 million. The inclusion of health facilities underscores a broader effort to augment green areas and foster healthier environments nationwide.
Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Local Development and governorates, the Ministry of Agriculture ensures meticulous site selection to ensure sustainability and long-term viability of the afforestation drive. Minister Elkosayer emphasized the initiative’s pivotal role in expanding green coverage per capita, improving air quality, curbing greenhouse gases, and leveraging economic benefits from sustainable forestry practices.
This initiative not only reaffirms Egypt’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also sets a precedent for comprehensive national efforts to mitigate climate challenges and promote sustainable development through afforestation.
